Whether you own an air conditioner or furnace, you know it’s essential to maintain your unit. But, if you haven’t done so already, you might wonder what to do to keep your HVAC unit running at peak performance. Here are some tips to help you.
Clean the end of the condensate line
Keeping the end of the condensate line clean can keep your HVAC system running smoothly. It also helps prevent mold and algae from growing in the air conditioning unit.
Clogged condensate lines can cause water damage in your home and raise humidity levels. When water begins to back up, the air conditioner will not work as well and can even cause fatal electric shocks. Fortunately, you can easily remove a clog on your own.
To start, turn off the power to the air conditioning system. Then, pour a cup of bleach into the drain line access opening near the indoor air conditioner. The bleach will kill the mold and mildew.
Next, turn on a garden hose and spray it quickly to flush out debris. If the drain line is clogged, this will also break up the clog.
Check your air filter.
According to professionals, like those at Chicagoland Heating and AC, changing your air filter is one of the essential maintenance tasks on your HVAC system. This small step can help your system run efficiently and effectively. It also helps ensure a healthy indoor environment.
You should replace your air filter every 30 to 90 days. Depending on your system’s size and frequency of use, you may need to replace it more often.
Air filters are made of materials such as spun fiberglass or pleated paper. These filters trap dust and other particles and keep them from circulating in your home. They also protect your system from debris, bacteria, and viruses.
A dirty air filter can worsen your asthma symptoms. It can also reduce your energy efficiency. In addition to this, a clogged filter can push contaminants out of your vents and into the circulated air.
Clear the area around your HVAC unit
Keeping your AC unit clean can help it last for longer. It also saves you from having to worry about repairs in the future.
Clearing the area around your unit is the best method to accomplish this. Your outdoor unit’s efficiency will increase as a result. Additionally, it will assist you in avoiding dealing with mold and water damage.
Using something other than pressure washers is the most crucial thing to keep in mind. They could seriously harm your unit. They also have the potential to cause a flash explosion. If you have a minor team, try using a vacuum hose to remove dirt in tight areas.
It would help if you also kept your unit’s air filters clean. If they are dirty, replace them with new ones. You can do this at least monthly.
Install a new programmable thermostat
Having a new programmable thermostat installed can help you maintain the heating and cooling of your home. It can also help you save on energy costs. You can program your thermostat to adjust temperatures depending on your schedule. You can also set it to lower your heat when you are sleeping.
If your old thermostat is more than ten years old, it will likely need replacement. You will need to perform essential maintenance on the unit to install a new one. If you are unfamiliar with electrical work, it is best to hire a professional.
Before installing your new thermostat, inspecting the wiring is a good idea. If the wiring is faulty, your unit will not function properly. It is also a good idea to remove the old thermostat. You can remove the cover with a screwdriver, but you should turn off the power.
Test your thermostat
Getting your HVAC system tested as part of the maintenance can help you solve potential problems before they become major. Not trying your system can cause uncomfortable temperatures in your home. It can also increase your energy bills.
A thermostat is a critical component of your HVAC system. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your heater to stop working. Having a broken thermostat can be a severe inconvenience, so you should take steps to have it tested.
To test your thermostat, you will need to take the following steps. First, you will need to locate your thermostat and ensure it is in the “on” position. Next, you will need to turn it slowly to reset the contacts.
If your thermostat isn’t reading the temperature correctly, your HVAC system may need to be fixed. In addition, your thermostat may need more power. In this case, you may need to change the batteries in your thermostat.
